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Lake Info: Meredith, Texas


Map: 
Description: 

Lake Meredith is a man-made lake formed by Sanford Dam on the Canadian River at Sanford, Texas. It is located about 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Amarillo, Texas in the Texas Panhandle. It is a major source of drinking water for Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas, located about 150 miles (240 km) to the south along with many other towns in between and nearby. In 2003, the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority announced that it would reduce allocations to its member cities due to an ongoing drought and a continued drop in the water level in the reservoir. As of 2008, the lake continues to hit record lows and the majority of water supplied by CRMWA is now coming from wells in Roberts County.

Facilities and Parks: 

Camping and/or picnic facilities are available at 13 developed areas around the lake. The National Park Service provides boat ramps at five points, depending on water levels. Boat launch fees are $4 per day or $10 for a 3-day period. A $40 annual permit is available, renewable each January. Boat docks are available at all open boat ramps. There is one handicap accessible fishing pier at Spring Canyon and an accessible fishing house operated by the Marina at Lake Meredith. Shoreline access is limited, as the sides of the reservoir are very steep. Additional camping areas away from the water are available at McBride Canyon, Mullinaw, and Plum Creek.

Fishing Description: 

Fishing Regulations

Most fishes are currently regulated under statewide regulations. The exception is smallmouth bass, which are currently managed with a 12 to 15 inch slot limit. All fish 12 inches and smaller and 15 inches and larger can legally be harvested. Smallmouth bass between 12 and 15 inches must be immediately released. The daily bag limit is three fish. Walleye, under statewide regulations, are managed with a five fish daily bag limit, but you can keep only two fish less than 16 inches. The remainder of your bag limit must be fish over 16 inches.

Angling Opportunities
Meredith Reservoir has a very diverse fish community and provides opportunities for every type of angler. Walleye are the primary sport fish in the reservoir. The walleye population in the reservoir is maintained through natural reproduction with high quality fishing available in the spring. Meredith Reservoir also has an excellent smallmouth bass population. Most of the reservoir is rocky habitat, which is preferred by smallmouth bass. A number of 4-pound and larger fish are caught from Meredith each year. White bass provide an excellent fishery, especially during summer and fall. Largemouth bass are limited by habitat, but crappie fishing is generally good with occasional years of excellent fishing. Yellow perch are caught on rare occasions; the Texas record of 1.04 pounds came from Lake Meredith in 1996. Channel and flathead catfish are present in good numbers

Fishing Cover/Structure
Meredith Reservoir is dominated by steep rocky banks with limited areas of isolated flooded timber and vegetation. The upper reservoir is very turbid with suspended red clay while the lower reservoir is clear. In most of the reservoir rock ledges, rock piles, and steep drop-offs provide cover for game fish.

Fishing Tips, Tactics, How-To info: 

Meredith Reservoir has the best walleye fishing in the state of Texas and is comparable to many lakes in the native range of walleye. The peak period for walleye fishing is from April through June. Over 90% of the walleye harvested are caught during this period. The key to successful walleye fishing on Meredith is to use small tackle and fish slowly. You will be most successful with 6-pound test line or smaller. Walleye can be caught on crankbaits and spinners, but the most successful method is drift fishing minnows or nightcrawlers on a small jig head. Drift-fish your jig in about 15 feet of water along the shoreline focusing mainly on rock outcrops and drop-offs. Smallmouth bass are typically caught along rocky shorelines near large structure or drop-offs. They can be caught on a variety of baits including crank baits, spinners, minnows, crayfish, and worms. The best season for smallmouth bass is spring when waters reach 60 degrees.

Fish: 
Blue Catfish
Fish: 
Channel Catfish
Fish: 
Crappie
Fish: 
Largemouth Bass
Fish: 
Smallmouth Bass
Fish: 
Walleye
Fish: 
White Bass
Optional Information
Maximum depth: 
127ft
Surface area: 
16411.00
Name: 
Meredith
Lake type: 
reservoir
State: 
Texas

Businesses Located Nearby

Bait & Tackle

    Twin Willows Bait & Tackle
  • 2201 Se 114th Ave - Amarillo, TX
  • (806) 622-0082
    C J's Bait Shop
  • 9605 Fritch Fortress Rd - Fritch, TX
  • (806) 857-2586
    Wedge Fishing & Rental Service
  • 11805 W Mccullough St - Pampa, TX
  • (806) 688-0113

Boat Rental

    Extreme Marine
  • 1301 W 8th Ave - Amarillo, TX
  • (806) 378-9595

Vacation Rental

Bar and Restaurant

    The Windmill
  • 631 N Main St - Borger, TX
  • (806) 273-3459
    Hitch & Rail
  • 225 N Main St - Borger, TX
  • (806) 274-2324

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